VIA records second-highest daily passenger total this year
Velana International Airport handled a total of 27,000 passengers on Sunday, making it one of the busiest operational days for the Maldives’ main international airport.
Passenger traffic increased as tourists arrived during the peak tourism season, while residents travelled overseas and to outer islands during the school holidays.
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) said Sunday marked the second-highest number of passengers recorded at Velana International Airport on a single day this year.
According to MACL, the international terminal served 22,142 passengers, comprising 11,035 departing passengers and 11,107 arriving passengers.
The domestic terminal handled 4,843 passengers, including 2,652 departures and 2,191 arrivals.
A total of 239 aircraft movements were recorded during the day.
MACL Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed said the airport experienced one of its busiest days of operation.
He said measures are being planned to reduce queue times and improve processing efficiency. Despite congestion, he said passengers have reported an improved experience following the opening of the new terminal.
